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Feb 17, 2022 · February 17, 2022. It's not uncommon for young adults to experience a quarter-life crisis, similar to the midlife crises we see in middle-aged people down the line. Here, we're unpacking what a quarter-life crisis looks like, what can trigger it, and how to get through it, according to experts.
What is the meaning of a quarter-life crisis? A quarter-life crisis is more than just a feeling of being lost. It’s a complex web of emotions and experiences that can arise during a significant transitional period in young adulthood. Here’s a breakdown of what a quarter-life crisis can mean:
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- Overview
- Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
- Common Challenges During a Quarter-Life Crisis
- Strategies for Coping With a Quarter-Life Crisis
- Seeking Support for a Quarter-Life Crisis
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The term quarter-life crisis refers to anxiety and self-doubt that some young adults experience during their mid-to-late 20s and early 30s. This period is often marked by transitioning out of college and into the workforce, often accompanied by changing roles and increased responsibilities.
Adults during this stage of life have often begun careers, entered committed relationships, become financially independent, and started families. For some, it might seem that they have finally reached many of the goals they have been working toward.
A quarter-life crisis can often be a normal part of young adult development. It can be a time of exploration, resulting in self-reflection and discovery that can lead to personal growth.
For others, this period is sometimes marked by feelings of uncertainty. They might find themselves questioning their choices, identity, and relationships. They might feel stuck and stymied by a lack of progress or question their overall life direction.
"Young adults are basically told this should be the best and most exciting time of their life. When the reality of life isn’t as picture-perfect as they thought it would be, it can create massive amounts of stress and anxiety," says Carrie Howard, LCSW, CCATP, an anxiety coach and founder of Thrive Anxiety Solutions.
Each person's experience is different, so a quarter-life crisis can manifest in different ways. “Some of the most common anxieties young people face during this time revolve around still not having a clear idea of who they are, experiencing difficulty finding meaning, purpose, and belonging in life, and grappling with the disappointment and frustration that life hasn’t turned out how they thought it would,” Howard explains.
Common themes during this developmental period include ambiguity about adult status, the need for self-exploration, instability in relationships and roles, self-focus, and anticipation for the future.
Some of the common signs and symptoms that you might experience include:
•Purposelessness: You feel like your life lacks purpose, so you often feel restless and have a desire to change something in your life
•Identity crisis: You find yourself questioning your identity, including having doubts about your beliefs, goals, values, and sense of self
•Professional uncertainty: You're unsure about your career and wonder if you've chosen the wrong path and wasted time on education and training that isn't right for you
Young adulthood is a time of new challenges and major life changes. This can be exciting at times, but it can also contribute to stress and uncertainty.
Young adults have tremendous pressure put on them by society, their parents, or even pressure they place on themselves to attain a certain societal or financial status, settle down with a partner and raise a family, or start climbing the career ladder.
— CARRIE HOWARD, LCSW, CCATP, ANXIETY COACH
Such pressure, Howard says, can lead many to question what they are doing, why they are doing it, and whether it will really make them happy. When life doesn’t look like they thought it would, or when the things they thought would bring them joy don’t, it can create a sense of confusion and distress.
Some of the challenges that can play a part in triggering a quarter-life crisis include:
•Job dissatisfaction: Transitioning from college into the workforce can add pressure and problems. Some may struggle to find work or experience their first job loss. Others may be unhappy with their chosen career and question their life choices.
Navigating the ups and downs of this phase of life can be challenging, but there are tactics that can help if you suspect that you’re in the midst of a quarter-life crisis. While a quarter-life crisis is marked by uncertainty, the following steps can help you negotiate these sometimes difficult and tumultuous feelings with greater strength and reso...
While it is sometimes challenging to talk about with others, seeking support and encouragement is essential. Remind yourself that this is something that many people your age face, so sharing your own feelings and experiences can be a way to remind yourself and others that you are not alone in these feelings.
To get the support you need, consider:
•Reaching out to family and friends: The people closest to you can be your greatest source of strength. Talk to the people you trust the most about how you are feeling. While they may not necessarily be able to offer solutions, they can be a source of comfort, advice, and feedback.
•Discussing it with a mentor: If you are struggling in specific areas of your life, such as your education or career, reach out to a trusted mentor for advice. They may have often dealt with similar experiences early in their academic or professional life. This experience allows them to share insights to help you decide where you want to focus your energy to achieve your goals.
•Considering a support group: Online or in-person support communities are a great way to connect with people going through the same thing. These groups can be a place to share your thoughts and learn about what others have experienced. Reaching out to such groups can help you feel less alone in what you are feeling and focus more clearly on what you want to do going forward.
•Seek professional counseling: Talking to a mental health professional, particularly one specializing in working with young adults, can be helpful. A therapist can provide a non-judgmental, safe, and supportive space where you can talk about your challenges, gain new insights into your goals, and learn new coping strategies.
Jun 7, 2022 · While there are certainly very different definitions for “quarter-life crisis,” here’s the Wikipedia definition: “A crisis involving anxiety over the direction and quality...
- Tess Brigham
Jan 31, 2024 · The supposed quarter-life crisis is the more youthful kin of the notable midlife crisis and depicts a crisis of implying that can generally happen between the ages of 20 and 30.
In popular psychology, a quarter-life crisis is an existential crisis involving anxiety and sorrow over the direction and quality of one's life which is most commonly experienced in a period ranging from a person's early twenties up to their mid-thirties (although a quarter-life crisis can begin as early as 18).
Feb 21, 2024 · A quarter-life crisis is a period of soul-searching and self-questioning that occurs in a person’s mid-20s to early 30s. Feelings of uncertainty, self-doubt, restlessness, disillusionment, anxiety, and depression are common during a quarter-life crisis.
